Moving house is a stressful time for everyone, but it can be a lot more difficult if you’re a student. As a student you’re probably going to struggle to arrange transportation, sort your fees and even organize the packing and unpacking process. One of the most difficult things about moving as a student is the expense of it all. Luckily there are lots of ways you can help to cut the costs of your move; here are just a few examples.

– De-clutter and organize – Before you start the moving process you should have a big clear-out of everything you own. Separate everything into different piles: one for keeping, one for binning, one for selling, one for donating and – if you’re lucky – one for home storage. Over the last academic year you’ve probably accumulated a lot of things that your parents won’t mind looking after for you. Probably. If you find you have a lot of items to sell then try advertising through your university website or on your class bulletin boards.

– Second-hand boxes – Save money on expensive moving boxes by scouring your local shops for freebies. Find out what days they receive deliveries of stock and ask for their unwanted boxes. This is a fantastic way to get packing materials for free.

– Student discount – If you’re planning on hiring a man with a van or a removal company then have a look for one that offers student discount. If you’re moving from or to a predominantly student area then you’re likely to be able to find a man with a van who can offer discounts. Have a look to see what you can find through your university website or through the recommendations of friends. If you’re struggling to find someone then why not try your local newspaper or university bulletin board?

– Student self-storage – A common problem that students face when moving house is a problem with the timing of your tenancy. You might find that your current tenancy agreement ends on the 31st of the month, while your new one doesn’t start until the 1st. If you find yourself in this situation you might have to consider using a self-storage facility overnight. Luckily you’re more than likely to find some great offers for students, especially if it’s for a short period. Have a look into what’s available in your area, but make sure you’re doing your research to ensure you’re leaving your possessions in trustworthy hands!

– Friends and family – Your friends and family are invaluable when it comes to moving house on a budget. Call in any favours you’re owed so you can get as many extra pairs of hands as possible. If you’re lucky you might also be able to use multiple cars to help transport your belongings. This is a great way to save on the expense of hiring a van or removal company, but be aware you might have to cover the cost of petrol!